The sixth-generation, 2026 Subaru Forester has officially arrived in Australia, bringing in updates across powertrains, safety, design, and technology, while introducing a new hybrid system.
At the heart of the new tech is Subaru’s all-new ‘Strong Hybrid e-Boxer’ system, combining a 2.5-litre flat-four engine with a 90kW electric motor and a 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery. The result is a combined output of 145kW. Although a significant jump up from the previous hybrid, it remains as one of the least powerful hybrids in its class.
Subaru claims an estimated driving range of over 1000km, with an official average of 6.2L/100km. For reference, the AWD RAV4 hybrid is stamped at 4.8L/100km. Instant torque, quiet electric operation, and the ability to drive short distances on EV power alone should make it a more versatile Forester than ever before.
Petrol variants retain the familiar 2.5-litre flat-four engine, producing 136kW and 247Nm, while benefiting from improvements in responsiveness, noise insulation, and driving smoothness. All models come paired with either a next-gen Lineartronic CVT or a hybrid-specific transaxle, both tuned for stronger off-the-line acceleration and confident highway cruising.
Capability continues to be a Forester hallmark. Every variant offers 220mm of ground clearance, and X-Mode with Hill Descent Control. New dual-pinion steering – borrowed from the WRX – promises sharper feedback and more precise handling across urban and off-road settings, all underpinned by the company’s ageing ‘Subaru Global Platform’ that debuted in 2016.
Inside, the new Forester gets a significant tech uplift. Hybrid grades debut a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, while all models include an 11.6-inch high-definition touch-screen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Premium variants also gain a Harman Kardon sound system, wireless phone charging, and dual USB-A/USB-C ports for both front and rear passengers.
Subaru has focused heavily on safety. The entire range boasts a five-star ANCAP safety rating, now bolstered by the latest EyeSight driver assist system with a wide-angle monocular camera. Standard features include Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS), Driver Monitoring System, a 360-degree camera, and nine airbags.
Seven variants are now on sale – four petrol and three hybrid – with prices starting from the following (excluding on-road costs):
| Petrol-only | |
| Forester AWD | $43,490 |
| Forester AWD Premium | $46,490 |
| Forester AWD Sport | $48,490 |
| Forester AWD Touring | $50,990 |
| Hybrid | |
| Forester AWD Hybrid | $46,490 |
| Forester AWD Hybrid Sport | $54,990 |
| Forester AWD Hybrid Touring | $55,990 |
